Video Summary
The Lexus RZ is an all-electric vehicle based on the same platform as the bZ4X or Subaru Solterra. The design omits the giant spindle grill.The reviewed version is a European 500e model, which won’t be available in America. The U.S. will get the 350, 450, and 550 F Sport models.
There's no frunk in the RZ, only an electric motor under the hood. The 350 version has a 75-kilowatt-hour battery, and the 550 and 450 have a slightly larger 77-kilowatt-hour battery, differing by only two kilowatts.
The front-wheel drive 350 has about 300 miles of range, with the 550 only getting around 230, and the 450 with roughly 250. The range is not great. Charging reaches about 150 kilowatts per hour, which is mid-range. The vehicle comes with a Next/North American Charging Standard for use at Tesla chargers.
The 350 is the entry-level, and seems to be the sweet spot in the lineup.
The steering is numb. Luxury is seamless with the electric motors because luxury is about comfort. Augmented engine sound is a fun feature. It features big screens and two sunroofs.
The base RZ 350 starts around $45,000, and goes up to $60,000 for the new 550E F Sport. The release is expected later this year, possibly this fall. The passenger side in this driver-centric design seems to be missing some of the infotainment features. There’s lots of legroom, the heated seats, and well-placed temperature controls.
For those who love Lexus and electric vehicles, this seems like their only choice right now, but they don’t recommend the steering wheel yoke.
